Dec Arrests 25 Suspects, Seizes Over 124kg Of Cannabis
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested 25 suspects and seized more than 124 kilogrammes of cannabis in a series of intelligence-led operations conducted in Southern, Western, Central and Copperbelt Provinces.
At Chirundu One-Stop Border Post, DEC officers intercepted 36-year-old Tanzanian national Acley Zacharia Haraja, who was travelling from South Africa. He was allegedly found with 46.6 kilograms of high-grade cannabis concealed in suitcases.
In Western Province, joint operations in Lukulu District resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of more than 60 kilograms of cannabis.
The suspects were identified as Frank Ushiti, Hustings Chipoya, Chisola Chiteta, Elijah Gwele, Nzimbo Kafuti, Chiteta Chizhika, Nyumbu Chibinda and Simon Bweupe.
In a separate operation, Dorothy Makope, 45, of Mwandi District, was arrested for allegedly trafficking 2.8 kilogrammes of loose cannabis. Innocent Munthali, 21, was also arrested after allegedly being found with 1.5 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis in 346 sachets.
In Central Province, the DEC arrested 48-year-old Alex Siachibuye in Itezhi-Tezhi for allegedly trafficking 5.1 kilograms of cannabis.
Four other suspects were arrested in separate operations in Chibombo District. Gift Phiri and Brian Ngulube were arrested in connection with alleged cannabis trafficking, while Lawrence Zulu and Teddy Sakala were jointly arrested over alleged trafficking in cannabis and methamphetamine-type stimulants.
In Mkushi District, Beatrice Chibuye, Chisenga Mulekwa and Baron Chibuye were jointly arrested for allegedly trafficking 1.2 kilogrammes of loose cannabis.
Meanwhile, in Mpongwe District, three men were arrested following another intelligence-led operation. Cephas Musonda was allegedly found with 1.8 kilograms of high-grade cannabis, while Ian Mwansa and Andrew Mwanza were jointly arrested in connection with 560 grammes of the drug.
The DEC said all the suspects are in lawful custody awaiting court appearances. The Commission has urged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to help combat drug trafficking.